Truths to Live By – Part 4

Proverbs 29:11 (LB)
Anything that is uncontrolled will eventually destroy you.
Human nature usually has a distaste for simple discipline.
It's either the skunk or the turtle.
How do you express your anger?
 
#1. Resolve to control it.
  • Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
  • Proverbs 29:11 (LB) "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."
  • Anger is a choice.
#2. Realize the cost.
  • Proverbs 29:22 (LB) "A hot-tempered man…gets into all kinds of trouble."
  • Proverbs 11:29 (LB) "The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left."
#3.  Restrain my mouth.
  • Proverbs 21:23 (NLT) "If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble."
  • "Even a fool is considered wise if he says nothing."
  • James 1:19 (NIV) "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry."
  • It takes the power of God to help you control your mouth.
  • Releasing anger only creates more anger.
#4. Reflect before reacting.
  • Proverbs 29:11 (NEB) "A stupid man gives free rein to his anger; a wise man waits and lets it grow cool."
  • Delay is a tremendous remedy for anger.
T – Is it Truthful?
H – Is it Helpful?
I – Is it Inspirational?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?
  • THINK before you speak.
  • Proverbs 19:11(NIV) "A man's wisdom gives him patience."
  • WHY am I angry?
  • WHAT do I really want?
  • HOW can I get it?
  • Hurt.
  • Frustration.
  • Fear.        
#5. Release my anger appropriately.
  • Ephesians 4:26 (GN) "If you become angry, don't let your anger lead you into sin."
  1. Don’t suppress your anger.
  2. Don’t repress it.
  3. Don’t express it in inappropriate ways.
  • "You're only hurting yourself with your anger."
  • Proverbs 22:24 “Keep away from angry, short-tempered people or you will learn to be like them.”
  • Since inappropriate anger is learned, it can be unlearned.
#6. Return good for evil.
  • "I will never let another man control my life by making me hate him." Booker T Washington 
  • It's easy to retaliate.
  • Romans 12:17-21 (NLT) "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone…never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God…overcome evil with good."
#7. Request God’s help.
  • Psalm 41:3 (NCV) "Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say."
  • "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Matthew 17:34 (NIV)
  • It's my mind and my heart.
  • Colossians 3:15 (NAS) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart…”